The European Union (EU) is currently engaged in discussions to redeploy a mission aimed at monitoring the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. This move comes as part of the EU’s continued commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and ensuring stability at the crucial crossing.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, made the announcement during a press conference in Brussels following a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.
Kallas stated that the EU is in talks about redeploying its monitoring mission at the Rafah border, which will be essential to maintain stability in the region.
She further explained that this redeployment would require formal invitations from both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, along with a cooperation agreement from Egypt.
The discussions come at a critical moment, just days after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, which is set to come into effect. This agreement, though a step forward, underscores the ongoing complexity of the situation, with many challenges still ahead.
The EU’s involvement in the Rafah border dates back to 2005 when it established a civilian mission there to monitor the crossing. However, this mission was short-lived, lasting only a year and a half.
The need for a renewed mission has become pressing due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the importance of ensuring the safe passage of aid through the Rafah crossing.
In addition to the potential redeployment of the monitoring mission, Kallas confirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Gaza through various humanitarian efforts.
The EU has pledged a new aid package worth 120 million euros (approximately $123.5 million), which will be used to support reconstruction and recovery efforts in the region.
This funding comes at a time when Gaza has been enduring significant hardship, and the need for international assistance has never been greater.
Kallas also expressed her support for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, acknowledging that while this development is positive, it is only a first step towards achieving lasting peace in the region.
She emphasised that many difficult challenges remain and that the international community must continue to engage in efforts to address the underlying issues of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities are intensifying their efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, particularly in the North Sinai province, which borders the Gaza Strip. Preparations are underway for the reopening of the Rafah crossing, which has long been a vital lifeline for the besieged enclave.
Hundreds of aid trucks are currently stationed in the Egyptian city of Arish, awaiting clearance to cross into Gaza. These trucks are part of a broader initiative to deliver crucial supplies to Gaza’s population, which has been suffering under prolonged siege.
A security source revealed that at least 500 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza from the Rafah crossing, in addition to the aid that will flow through the Israeli Karm Abu Salem border crossing.
Egyptian authorities have established several logistics centres to facilitate this process and ensure that the aid reaches those in need.
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